ALARMING LEVEL
Rabies deaths in Western Visayas on the rise

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

Department of Health (DOH-6) regional director Lydia D. Ramos stressed that the number of rabies cases in Western Visayas should be an “eye-opener” as it is now “very common”.

Ramos pointed out that this year, the health department is coming up with an “early intervention” plan. She cited the DOH would coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the establishment of an immunization center for dogs.   

This she said since even though the owners are willing to have their pets vaccinated, they don't know where to get the services. She added that DOH would make the dogs vaccination accessible.

In a “Rabies Updates” symposium yesterday, March 17 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, the DOH-6 reported that the deadly virus has been on an “alarming rise” in the region. It can be noted that initial steps to prevent and control the disease have been continuously undertaken.

DOH-6 bared that Western Visayas ranked No. 2 in canine rabies all over the country with the most number of human rabies deaths totaling to 30 in 2004, the highest so far for the past five years.

Unfortunately, the city and province of Iloilo ranked No.1 in rabies cases. Meanwhile, the Iloilo Rabies Control Consultative Committee has been intensifying its efforts on information and education campaign on rabies prevention.

Dr. Ferdinand de Guzman of the DOH, the main speaker of the forum, said that “rabies is one of the most expensive diseases to be treated”. “There has been no successful rabies elimination program yet,” he added.

In the Philippines , de Guzman said that 98 percent of human cases are being transmitted from dogs and only two percent from cats. The country ranked No.5 in Asia in terms of rabies cases, after India , Pakistan , Bangladesh and Vietnam , he noted.

De Guzman added there are around 300-500 cases every year with more male victims than female. “It is more common during summer months,” de Guzman said noting that the present cases are gradually increasing since January this year.

“Once the symptoms appear, rabies is nearly fatal,” de Guzman explained. He said “there should be a high index of suspension by checking if the victim has a history of bite”.

The symposium was attended by health officers, hospital staffs, representatives from the academe, and officials of different government agencies. March is Rabies Awareness Month.